-oz)

A unit of weight measurement in the avoirdupois system, abbreviated as "oz," representing 1/16 of a pound or approximately 28.35 grams. The ounce is commonly used in cooking and baking to specify ingredient quantities, particularly in English-speaking countries and traditional recipes. The term derives from the Latin "uncia," meaning "one-twelfth," though the modern ounce differs from this historical definition.

The ounce is fundamental to recipe writing and ingredient measurement in culinary practice. It is used to specify precise quantities of dry ingredients (flour, sugar, spices), wet ingredients (liquids, oils), and solids (butter, chocolate, meat). Many professional chefs and bakers prefer ounce measurements for accuracy, as they are more consistent than volume measurements like cups, which can vary based on how ingredients are packed. Conversion between ounces and other metric or imperial units is essential for recipe adaptation and standardization across different culinary traditions.